Dragon Boat Festival - The Other Name of Duanwu Festival

Dragon Boat Festival is known as Duanwu Festival in Chinese language which is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month annually. It is a traditional Chinese festival that dates back to more than 2000 years ago. The festival is celebrated in honor of the ancient Chinese poet and minister, Qu Yuan, who is believed to have drowned himself in the Miluo River in Hunan province as a sign of protest against corruption and injustice. The festival is marked by dragon boat races, zongzi eating, and other customs that reflect the cultural richness of China.

The Legend of Qu Yuan

Qu Yuan lived during the Warring States period when China was divided into several states, each seeking supremacy over the others. Qu Yuan was a loyal minister of the state of Chu who advocated for peace and unity among the states. However, his political rivals conspired against him and got him banished from the court. Qu Yuan returned to his hometown where he wrote many poems expressing his love for his country and people. When he learned that his homeland was about to be invaded by a neighboring state, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River as a sign of protest and a sacrifice to the gods to save his country. The locals, who admired his patriotism and loyalty, raced their boats to retrieve his body. Thus, the tradition of dragon boat racing began.

Dragon Boat Racing

Dragon boat racing is the most popular activity during the Dragon Boat Festival. It is a sport that involves teams of paddlers competing in boats decorated like dragons. The boats are usually long and narrow with decorative dragon heads and tails. The paddlers sit facing forwards and use paddles to maneuver their boats through the water. The races cover distances of between 200 and 1000 meters, with the winners receiving prizes and accolades. The sport is not just a fun activity but also a way of promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and cultural heritage.

Zongzi - The Festival Food

Zongzi is a traditional Chinese food that is eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival. It is a sticky rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with different savory or sweet fillings. The fillings can be pork, chicken, beans, egg yolk, dates, or lotus seeds. The dumplings are boiled or steamed for several hours until the rice becomes soft and tender. The delicious aroma and taste of zongzi make it a favorite food for many people during the festival. Apart from eating zongzi, people also offer them to their ancestors and gods as a sign of remembrance and gratitude.

Other Customs and Traditions

Aside from dragon boat racing and eating zongzi, there are other customs and traditions that are observed during the Dragon Boat Festival. These include wearing perfume pouches, hanging mugwort and calamus, and drinking realgar wine. Perfume pouches are small bags filled with fragrant herbs and spices that people wear around their necks or on their clothes to ward off evil spirits and insects. Mugwort and calamus are plants that are believed to repel diseases and bad luck when hung on doors or windows. Realgar wine is a traditional drink that is said to have health benefits and is consumed during the festival as a symbol of warding off evil spirits.

In Conclusion

Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a significant cultural festival that represents the patriotism, traditional customs, and sportsmanship of the Chinese people. The festival provides an opportunity for people to come together, bond, and celebrate their heritage. Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival is not only a fun activity but also a way of teaching younger generations about their roots, traditions, and values. It is a festival that has stood the test of time and continues to be celebrated with great enthusiasm and spirit across China and other parts of the world.